The Phillies Zone

The Phillies have not internally discussed a shutdown for Roy Halladay, who is "in position" to make his next start, Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday.

Amaro, the Phillies' GM, said all examinations of Halladay's shoulder and back have "seemed OK." He said Halladay, at this point, is scheduled to make his next start. That should come Thursday against Washington.

Halladay described his latest injury as "spasms" behind his shoulder. Amaro said it is "tightness in his mid-to-upper back."

"It's taken a little bit of a toll on him," Amaro said. "We'll talk to the doctors today or tomorrow to see if we're risking any injury."

Their initial belief is that Halladay could finish the season without harm. The 35-year-old pitcher is due $20 million in 2013 and expressed a strong desire to make his final two starts in 2012.

Still, Halladay appeared emotionally drained Saturday in addition to being physically limited. Is there an advantage to shutting him down now?

"We'll talk the doctors and see if there is benefit," Amaro said. "We haven't made any decisions any way or another."

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